Mayor Tom Barrett says “This Virus Knows No Borders,” Condemns Hate

Mayor Tom Barrett is condemning hate and encouraging us to come together and be of service to each other during this crisis.

Using racist terms for the coronavirus can be potentially dangerous and mislead people to violent actions toward Asian-Americans.

An FBI analysis noted there has already been a surge in reports of hate crimes and lists a series of incidents from Los Angeles to New York to Texas. In a statement made on March 26, Barrett said:

“The World Health Organization has urged people to be careful with language used to describe COVID-19, insisting that it should not be referred to as the “Chinese” or “Wuhan” virus. In this time of heightening tensions, there are serious concerns in the Asian American and Pacific Islanders community about scapegoating and becoming the target of misplaced fear and anger.

I oppose any expressions of racism and xenophobia at all levels. No one should live in fear because of where they came from or what they look like. This virus knows no borders. It’s wisest to use official names for this pandemic, especially if there is potential to do harm.”

To avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus we as individuals must be aware of and follow the guidelines of social distancing.

This one simple action can prevent the spread of the virus and help the well-being of the community.

The mayor and City Health Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik have issued a Stay at Home order for Milwaukee.

“What we are trying to do here is obviously create a safer community,” Barrett said.